The Benin Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has threatened to paralyse academic activities, accusing the Federal Government of failing to fully implement the agreement reached with the union in 2025 and unveiled in January 2026. Prof. Monday Igbafen, Chairman of the Benin Zone, made this known during a press briefing in Benin, flanked by executives and members from nine universities in the zone.
Allegations of Selective Payments
Igbafen stated that despite the government's promise of full implementation, it has reneged on the agreement, which should have ended years of struggle to renegotiate the 2009 pact. He described the current implementation of allowances as distorted, accusing the government of selectively paying Consolidated Academic Tool Allowances (CATA), Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), and Professorial Allowances. This violates the agreement, which mandates that all allowances be mainstreamed into the Consolidated University Academic Staff Salary Scale as part of monthly salaries for professors.
Failure to Inaugurate IMC
The union also criticised the government for failing to inaugurate the Implementation Monitoring Committee (IMC), which was meant to shield the agreement from bureaucratic sabotage. The Ibadan Zone of ASUU echoed these concerns, warning that continued delay could trigger fresh industrial unrest across universities. The Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Biodun Olaniran, expressed disappointment that five months after signing, many provisions remain partially implemented or ignored.
Warning of Industrial Unrest
ASUU warned that failure to fully implement the agreement amounts to an invitation to industrial unrest, capable of destabilising peace and academic stability in public universities. The union accused the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, of turning the agreement into a political campaign rather than focusing on genuine implementation. It appealed to President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, the judiciary, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders to intervene to prevent a looming crisis.
Opposition to NERD and Political Interference
ASUU also opposed the proposed Nigeria Education Repository Databank (NERD), citing concerns over intellectual property rights and protection of academic materials under the Nigeria Data Protection Act. The union decried increasing political interference in university administration, particularly in the appointment of vice-chancellors and restrictions on staff recruitment, despite claims of university autonomy.
